KARIN
E-RYT 500 YACEP, Bikram Yoga teacher, KRI Kundalini yoga teacher, Master Yoga Nidra teacher, meditation guide and life coach.
Karin: A Love Revolution in Motion
Karin is the embodiment of a love revolution- an unstoppable force of wisdom, authenticity, and healing. As the creator and owner of Blue Buddha, she has spent a quarter of a century guiding yogis to unlock their own greatness and embrace the incredible power of self-love and transformation.
With a heart as big as her passion for yoga, Karin’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is certified in five different lineages of yoga, with over 21,000 teaching hours and 1,500 hours of advanced training. She has studied directly alongside some of the most legendary Yoga Gurus of our time. From Bikram Choudhury’s 500-hour Teacher Training to the transformative work of Trauma Release Specialist David Berceli, Ph.D., Structural Yoga Therapy with Guru Mukunda Stiles, Yoga Master Guru Amrit Desai and Yoga Nidra Expert Kamini Desai, Ph.D., Yin yoga’s Paul Grilley, to Master Kundalini yoga teachers Sangeet Kaur Khalsa and Jaap Khaur Kalsa,
Karin’s path has been guided by a commitment to evolving not only as a teacher but as a true spiritual guide.
In 2012, she created the revolutionary Integrative System of Hatha yoga, with a 60 minute format that forever changed the landscape of hot yoga in the valley.
Her original, deep healing sequence, is the heart of Blue Buddha and is also taught at local studios around the valley and across the country.
Her teachings have touched the lives of countless yogis, inspiring them to remember their own presence, to believe in themselves and find the love within.
But it’s not just about yoga-Karin’s journey is one of service, passion, and relentless dedication to serving others.
In 2012, she founded Hot Yoga University as a way to give back and to share her knowledge and passion on a greater scale. Trusting in the Divine timing in all things, Karin sold the studio to one of her yoga students in 2020. She then embarked on a year long soul-stirring sabbatical that led her to a profound spiritual awakening. This awakening served to reignite her purpose and vision to continue sharing her passion for yoga and helping others.
Karin’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering belief in the power of presence and divine timing. She’s a teacher, a visionary, and a healer- an embodiment of light and love, here to help you find see your own.
“I’m forever grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, for the inner sanctuary I’ve built, and for the connection to Divine consciousness that guides me each day. I’m so thankful for my family, my students, and this beautiful community that inspires me to keep going. Join me at the Blue-let’s create something magical together.” -Karin xx
Karin teaches every day at Blue Buddha, inviting you to dive deep into the heart of yoga and the transformative power of presence and the power of love.
MEGAN
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi beautiful humans! My name is Megan Mawson & I’m a new teacher here at The Blue! I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA but moved to AZ in 2018 to attend The University of Arizona. After college, I moved up to Scottsdale where I took my first yoga class at Blue Buddha in 2022 and the rest is history! I quickly fell in love with the practice, teachers, & community that make Blue Buddha the magical place that it is.
I’m honored to be apart of magic and look forward to do for others what the Blue has done for me. Come take a Hatha, Vinyasa, or Pilates class with me! See you on the mat! 🙂
MAZZY
200 hr Yoga and Yoga Nidra Lumina teacher
I’m Mazzy, a CYT-200 yoga teacher with a lifelong connection to movement and mindfulness. Growing up as a ballerina, I was introduced to the power of the body early on but it was yoga that taught me how deeply movement and stillness work together to support the whole self.
Yoga has been a steady, grounding presence in my life, both on and off the mat. While I love the physical practice, it’s the mental and emotional clarity that keeps me coming back. For me, yoga is a way to slow down, reconnect, and create space within. Looking forward to seeing you on your mat!
NICHOLE
200 Hour Yoga and Yoga Nidra Lumina Teacher
Hi, I’m Nichole! I’m a native Arizonian and avid outdoorswoman – if I’m not at the studio, I’m likely out of cell phone range & either backpacking somewhere remote, climbing a rock wall, or paddleboarding one of the many rivers in our beautiful state.
My yoga journey began a bit later than most – I hadn’t taken a single yoga class (not even one!) until my 38th year of life. I instantly fell in love with how physically & mentally refreshed I felt following a practice & couldn’t wait to go back. My second yoga class ever was at the Blue Buddha & soon after: I discovered the vibrant & irreplaceable Blue Buddha community.
I felt intrinsically called to elevate my passion for practicing to teaching but couldn’t imagine receiving my Yoga Teacher Certification from anyone other than Karin (…who continued to assure me that she wasn’t going to be certifying any teachers anytime soon).
The universe must’ve been listening & watching – because over 500 classes at the Blue later (literally!) – Karin serendipitously announced her first-ever YTT for Blue Buddha. I was among the first to join & can’t wait to (finally!) provide for those on their mats.
I truly believe yoga holds the keys to the universe that exists inside you – and I look forward to unlocking that universe & watching you grow & glow.
YUMI
500 Hour Yoga teacher
Yumi loves adventure and holistic living! She is a former Muay Thai boxing competitor. She discovered Yoga as part of the low impact training. She fell in love with its mind and body connection right away.
In 2018, she completed the 200 hr. Yoga teacher training in the jungles of Costa Rica. She was surrounded by monkeys, sloths, bugs and the beautiful ocean.
2024 300 hr yoga teacher training
Yumi made a big transition from a 20-year finance career to pursue her passion – serving others and community as a Life Journey Guide. She utilizes Yoga as an effective life journey tool, to reset and transform her clients’ life, along with eastern philosophy, meditation, energy work, gardening, shinrin yoku (forest bathing), Muay Thai boxing, fitness, happy eating, and smart finance.
“Being a part of the Blue Buddha family is a manifestation of a long-time dream – building a compassionate community. Looking forward to connecting and guiding you, yogi
QUIN
200 Hour Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Quin! I’ve been teaching for three years and practicing yoga for seven. I believe yoga is more than a practice on the mat, it’s a way of showing up for yourself in everyday life.
I have a deep love for breathwork, and guide students to connect their breath with movement, building strength, presence, and resilience both physically and mentally.
My classes are a supportive space for students of all levels to explore their practice, slow down, and reconnect with themselves.
The most meaningful part of teaching yoga is witnessing students choose to show up for themselves, on the mat and beyond. I look forward to guiding you through your practiceQ
BROOKLYNN
RYT 500 Hour Yoga teacher
-Hi I’m Brooklynn! I teach yoga as a practice of connection- to your body, your breath and yourself.
Trained in Hatha and Vinyasa, with a BS in Psychology doe ASU. I weave the eight limbs and yogic philosophy into my classes, with a focus on pranayama.
My class themes are rooted in the yoga that lives beyond the mat, Come for the sweat; stay for the stillness that follows.
SAM
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi, I’m Sam! I was first introduced to yoga in high school as a wellness elective. I walked into the unknown with an open mind and an open heart. Mr. Roth had a deep passion for yoga and shared his love for it with his students in every way he could, inspiring us with his dedication and warmth. I am thankful; he was the one to ignite my initial appreciation for the practice.
Since then, yoga has been my most consistent wellness practice. But it wasn’t until the last 2 years, when I entered the doors of Blue Buddha, that I realized the passion was also within myself. A strong feeling pulled me back to the practice, urging me to dive deeper into mindfulness and to connect with a genuine community. So when I saw Blue Buddha was hosting their first 200hr YTT program, I knew in my heart that I needed to be a part of it.
As a recent graduate, I am thrilled and privileged to teach infrared Hatha at Blue Buddha. I aim to motivate future yogis to be mindful of their practice, nurture an inviting and supportive community, and share the light I discovered at Blue Buddha.
Outside of yoga, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, of all mediums. I also enjoy going to the movies, discovering new music, and exploring delicious food around the city.
LORA
500 hour Yoga teacher.
Lora discovered yoga in 1998 as a way to ease migraines caused by a car accident, but her journey quickly revealed yoga’s power to transform far beyond the physical. Through yoga, she found healing, strength, and a deeper connection to herself.
In 2006, Lora completed Bikram Teacher Training and went on to teach full-time for 13 years. Her passion for learning and sharing led her to additional certifications in Yin, Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Vinyasa.
Known for her thoughtful approach to alignment and modifications, Lora creates a safe and welcoming space for all. Having overcome injuries and health challenges through her practice, she believes yoga should be joyful, empowering, and accessible to everyone.
Candice
Yoga Nidra Luminary
Hi, I’m Candice. I’ve always been passionate about working with people and creating spaces for healing and transformation. Before stepping into this path, I worked in the beauty industry helping people feel good on the outside — now, my passion is guiding people inward through Yoga Nidra and mindful rest.
My connection to YN became deeply personal when it helped me reconnect with myself, find wholeness, and support my sobriety after years of struggling with addiction. I believe in the power of stillness, nervous system healing, and creating safe spaces where people can simply breathe, soften, and come home to themselves.
SAM
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi, I’m Sam! I was first introduced to yoga in high school as a wellness elective. I walked into the unknown with an open mind and an open heart. Mr. Roth had a deep passion for yoga and shared his love for it with his students in every way he could, inspiring us with his dedication and warmth. I am thankful; he was the one to ignite my initial appreciation for the practice.
Since then, yoga has been my most consistent wellness practice. But it wasn’t until the last 2 years, when I entered the doors of Blue Buddha, that I realized the passion was also within myself. A strong feeling pulled me back to the practice, urging me to dive deeper into mindfulness and to connect with a genuine community. So when I saw Blue Buddha was hosting their first 200hr YTT program, I knew in my heart that I needed to be a part of it.
As a recent graduate, I am thrilled and privileged to teach infrared Hatha at Blue Buddha. I aim to motivate future yogis to be mindful of their practice, nurture an inviting and supportive community, and share the light I discovered at Blue Buddha.
Outside of yoga, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, of all mediums. I also enjoy going to the movies, discovering new music, and exploring delicious food around the city.
KAYLEE
200 hr Yoga Teacher
Hi, I’m Kaylee! I’ve been practicing yoga for more than a decade, and it has been my anchor through all of life’s ups and downs. I originally started yoga to help calm my mind and navigate anxiety, and the mental clarity I found kept me coming back year after year.
Eventually, I found my way into a hot yoga studio -Blue Buddha and never looked back-there’s just something about the heat that makes the practice feel like a true moving meditation. My goal is to help you find that same sense of peace in every class.
Beyond the studio, my life is all about getting outdoors with my husband and dogs. I love running or hikes with my family, and I’m always down for a quiet afternoon spent reading. Can’t wait to see you in the hot room!
Jenn
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Jenn!
I am a student and teacher on and off the yoga mat.
My foundation is rooted in Bikram yoga, and my practice began during school as a way to manage anxiety and stress. Yoga continued to support me through the demands of a corporate office career, and over time became a constant source of grounding, healing, and connection. Wherever someone may be in life, I truly believe yoga can offer guidance and support.
My goal as a teacher is to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired by one another. I believe we are all both students and teachers, connecting through movement and breath. My classes are rooted in simplicity, mindfulness, and fun, encouraging students to move with intention while not taking themselves too seriously.
JANE
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi! I’m Jane.
I have been practicing yoga since 2017, finding in it a profound source of physical and emotional healing. As I balance the demands of a corporate career and ongoing education, yoga has been essential in cultivating resilience, balance, and mindfulness while helping to alleviate stress.
My goal as a teacher is to share this transformative practice, helping others find strength, stability, and connection on and off the mat. Let’s flow!
Kylie
Mat Pilates and Sculpt Certified Instructor
Hi I’m Kylie!
I’m from New Mexico. I gradated from Texas Tech with a degree in marketing. I am also a certified Pilates and Sculpt instructor. I fell in love with mat Pilates three years ago and i love being in a community of people who share the same passion. I can’t wait to meet you!
Sophia
Mat Pilates and Sculpt Certified Instructor
Hi everyone! I’m Sophia. I’m certified in Mat Pilates and Sculpt, and I’m so excited to be teaching here.
I’ve been coming to Blue Buddha for a little over a year, and this place has become so much more than just a studio to me. The community here is incredibly special, and I’m so grateful to now be a part of it as an instructor.
What I love most about Blue Buddha is the focus on mind, body, and soul. It’s taught me that movement is about so much more than just a workout. It’s about creating balance, showing up for yourself, and leaving feeling better than when you walked in. That’s exactly what I hope to bring into every class.
I’m so happy you’re all here.
Mary
Balanced Body certified Pilates Instructor
Hi I’m Mary! I am a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor with over four years of experience and hundreds of hours supporting clients in both one-on-one sessions and group settings. I bring a grounded, community-centered approach to movement, helping clients build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection to their bodies.
My passion for fitness and wellness is rooted in creating an encouraging space where every client feels supported, challenged, and welcomed.
Faith
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi, I’m Faith!
My yoga journey began at Blue Buddha, where I took my very first class—and I haven’t stopped practicing since. What started as a single class quickly became a practice that transformed my life and the way I connect with my breath, body, mind, and spirit.
While living in Thailand, my love for yoga continued to grow and eventually led me to Rishikesh, India, where I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and Sound Healing certification.
My hope as a teacher is to create the same welcoming space that Blue Buddha created for me. Whether you’re stepping onto your mat for the first time or have been practicing for years, I hope you leave class feeling stronger, more grounded, and a little more connected to yourself than when you arrived.
I can’t wait to practice with you!